Best Breathable Running Shorts for Women of 2025

Keira Murphy Avatar
Keira Murphy
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025

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These breathable running shorts are designed to provide comfort and freedom of movement for women during their workouts. Made from lightweight and moisture-wicking fabric, these shorts help to keep the body cool and dry during intense exercise. The elastic waistband provides a secure fit, while the breathable mesh panels allow for ventilation. With a range of stylish colours and sizes available, these running shorts are a recommended choice for women who want to enhance their running experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Under Armour Women Play Up Shorts 3.0 for Active Wear Cover #TOP 1
Under Armour Women Play Up Shorts 3.0 for Active Wear
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Under Armour Women's Lightweight Compression Shorts Cover #TOP 2
Under Armour Women's Lightweight Compression Shorts
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Under Armour Women's Breathable Running Shorts Cover #TOP 3
Under Armour Women's Breathable Running Shorts
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Breathable Running Shorts for Women

Under Armour Women Play Up Shorts 3.0 for Active Wear

1344552/1353764
Black
Under Armour Women Play Up Shorts 3.0 for Active Wear Cover
Under Armour Women Play Up Shorts 3.0, Active Shorts, Breathable Running Shorts

The Under Armour Play Up Shorts are designed for women who are passionate about sports. Their lightweight knit construction ensures superior comfort and breathability, making them perfect for workouts. The durable fabric features an anti-pill finish, so you can rely on them for long-lasting use. Additionally, the breathable material wicks sweat and dries quickly, keeping you fresh during intense activities. With anti-odour technology, you can say goodbye to unwanted smells, allowing you to focus on your performance.

What We Like
Lightweight and breathable material
Durable anti-pill finish
Quick-drying and moisture-wicking
Anti-odour technology

Under Armour Women's Lightweight Compression Shorts

1360925
Black
Under Armour Women's Lightweight Compression Shorts Cover
Under Armour Women HG Armour Mid Rise Shorty, lightweight and breathable women's gym shorts, base layer workout shorts with compression fit

The Under Armour Compression Shorts are designed for comfort and performance during your workouts. Made from lightweight HeatGear fabric, they provide full coverage while allowing your skin to breathe. The anti-odour technology ensures you stay fresh by wicking away sweat and preventing the growth of odour-causing microbes. With a skin-tight fit and 4-way stretch fabric, these shorts let you move freely, making them ideal for running and other activities. Plus, the ergonomic flatlock seams and soft mid-rise waistband guarantee a chafe-free experience.

What We Like
Lightweight and breathable fabric
Anti-odour technology
Skin-tight, flexible fit
Chafe-free with flatlock seams
#TOP 3

Under Armour Women's Breathable Running Shorts

1349125
Black
Under Armour Women's Breathable Running Shorts Cover
Under Armour Women Play Up Twist Shorts 3.0, Women's Breathable Running Shorts, Active Shorts for Workouts, Comfortable Gym Shorts

The Under Armour Running Shorts are designed for active women who enjoy sports. With a lightweight knit construction, these shorts offer excellent comfort and breathability, making them perfect for intense workouts. The durable material features an anti-pill finish, ensuring they withstand regular use. Additionally, the breathable fabric wicks away sweat and dries quickly, while the anti-odour technology keeps unpleasant smells at bay, allowing you to focus on your performance.

What We Like
Lightweight and breathable material
Durable anti-pill finish
Wicks sweat and dries quickly
Anti-odour technology
#TOP 4

Under Armour Women's UA Fly By Running Shorts

1383356
Black
Under Armour Women's UA Fly By Running Shorts Cover
Under Armour Women's UA Fly by 3'' Shorts, Lightweight Shorts for Women, Comfortable Running Shorts, Breathable Gym Shorts Black

The UA Fly By Running Shorts are designed for ultimate comfort during your workouts. The lightweight fabric allows for superior durability without weighing you down. You'll appreciate the sweat-wicking material that keeps you dry, even during intense sessions. Additionally, the super-breathable mesh panels help regulate your temperature, ensuring you stay cool until you reach the finish line. With a built-in brief, these shorts offer enhanced coverage, so you can focus on your run without any distractions.

What We Like
Lightweight and comfortable
Quick-dry and sweat-wicking
Breathable mesh for cooling
Built-in brief for coverage
#TOP 5

donhobo Women's 2 in 1 Sports Shorts with Pockets

Black
donhobo Women's 2 in 1 Sports Shorts with Pockets Cover
donhobo Womens Running Gym 2 in 1 Sports Shorts with Pockets,Breathable Quick Dry Fitness Shorts for Workout Training Yoga Jogging Pilates Black M

The donhobo Sports Shorts are designed for comfort and functionality during your workouts. The 2-in-1 design features double-layered fabric that is quick-drying and lightweight, ensuring you stay cool and dry while exercising. The breathable materials wick away sweat, making them ideal for various activities, from yoga to jogging. Additionally, these shorts come with two convenient pockets, allowing you to securely store your phone, keys, and other essentials while on the move.

What We Like
Quick-drying fabric
Lightweight and breathable
Convenient pocket design
Suitable for multiple activities
Loose fit for comfort
#TOP 6

BALEAF Women's Quick Dry 2 in 1 Running Shorts

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Black
BALEAF Women's Quick Dry 2 in 1 Running Shorts Cover
BALEAF Women's Running Shorts 2 in 1 High Waisted Gym Shorts Quick Dry with Back Zipper Pockets for Yoga Workout Black M

The BALEAF Running Shorts feature a 3-inch width waistband that provides excellent tummy control while allowing for 4-way stretch performance. The 7-inch inseam is made from lightweight, stretchy fabric, ensuring you can move freely without any rubbing or chafing during your activities. With built-in briefs, you will enjoy a supportive and breathable fit, which is perfect for intense workouts. Additionally, the back zipper pocket allows you to securely carry essentials like your keys or ID cards, making these shorts practical for any occasion.

What We Like
Comfortable tummy control
Lightweight and stretchy fabric
Supportive built-in briefs
Convenient back zipper pocket
#TOP 7

donhobo Women's 2-in-1 Quick Dry Running Shorts

Black
donhobo Women's 2-in-1 Quick Dry Running Shorts Cover
donhobo Womens Gym Running Shorts with Zipper Pockets,Ladies Running Short,2 in 1 Breathable Quick Dry Fitness Shorts for Workout Training Yoga Jogging Pilates Black L

The donhobo Women's Running Shorts are designed for comfort and performance. The double-layer fabric is quick-drying and lightweight, ensuring you stay cool during workouts. You won't have to worry about thigh abrasions, as the smooth, absorbent material prevents chafing while running. Additionally, the multi-pocket design features two side zipper pockets and a hidden pocket, providing ample storage for your phone, keys, and essentials, making it perfect for various activities such as yoga, jogging, and cycling.

What We Like
Quick-drying and lightweight
Prevents thigh abrasions
Ample pocket storage
Suitable for various activities
#TOP 8

Under Armour Women's Fly By Running Shorts

1383356
Black
Under Armour Women's Fly By Running Shorts Cover
Under Armour Women's UA Fly by 3'' Shorts, Lightweight Shorts for Women, Comfortable Running Shorts, Breathable Gym Shorts Black

The Under Armour Fly By Shorts are designed for comfort and performance. Made from lightweight fabric, they provide superior durability while allowing you to move freely. The sweat-wicking material ensures you stay dry and comfortable, even during intense workouts. With super-breathable mesh panels, these shorts help to keep you cool by releasing excess heat. Additionally, the built-in brief offers enhanced coverage, allowing you to focus on your run without any distractions.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable fabric
Sweat-wicking and quick-dry
Highly breathable mesh panels
Comfortable built-in brief
#TOP 9

Lixada Women's 2-in-1 Running Shorts

ITV8462459988616IH
Black Women
Lixada Women's 2-in-1 Running Shorts Cover
Lixada Women Running Shorts 2-in-1 Double Layer Elastic Waistband Sport Shorts No-Chafing Quick Drying Breathable Workout Fitness Active Yoga Jogging Shorts

The Lixada Running Shorts are designed for optimal comfort and performance during workouts. With a breathable 100% polyester fabric, these shorts keep you cool as you exercise. The built-in long mesh liner wicks away moisture and dries quickly, preventing chafing and ensuring a smooth fit. An elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring allows you to customise the fit to your preference. Additionally, the mesh air vents enhance breathability, making these shorts ideal for hot weather activities.

What We Like
Breathable and durable fabric
No chafing during workouts
Customisable fit
Quick-drying material
Mesh vents for extra air flow
#TOP 10

donhobo Women's 2 in 1 Running Shorts

Gray Blue
donhobo Women's 2 in 1 Running Shorts Cover
donhobo Womens Running Sports Shorts with Pockets,Gym 2 in 1 Double Layer Breathable Quick Dry Fitness Shorts for Workout Training Yoga Jogging Pilates Gray Blue L

The donhobo Running Shorts are designed for comfort and performance. With a double layer construction, these shorts are quick-drying and lightweight, ensuring you stay cool during workouts. The soft touch fabric wicks away sweat, preventing discomfort while exercising. You will appreciate the thoughtful design that prevents thigh abrasions, allowing you to focus on your run without irritation. Additionally, the shorts feature a multi-pocket design, providing ample space for your essentials like your phone and keys, making them ideal for various activities.

What We Like
Quick-drying and lightweight
Prevents thigh abrasions
Multiple pockets for convenience
Suitable for various sports
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the shortest running shorts?

1/2 split seam shorts are the shortest. 3/4 split seam shorts are short, but not as short as 1/2 split seam shorts. Square leg shorts have no split at all.

2. Why do women's running shorts have a liner?

Liners provide moisture-management to wick sweat away, which helps keeps things cool, comfortable and dry, and prevents infection and chafing.

3. What do you wear under a running short?

Lightweight brief liners are popular with many under bike shorts, basketball shorts, training shorts, running shorts or gym shorts where you prize your freedom of motion. Compression liners provide more muscle support and also guard against chafing.

Editor's Notes

During our breathable running shorts for women research, we found 306 breathable running shorts for women products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 108,409 customer reviews through our big data system to write the breathable running shorts for women list. We found that most customers choose breathable running shorts for women with an average price of £20.35.

The breathable running shorts for women are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of breathable running shorts for women, including Under Armour, donhobo, BALEAF, LIXADA.

Written by
Keira Murphy Avatar

Keira Murphy is an outdoorsy girl who loves sports and the outdoors. She's from the UK, but now lives in New York. Keira also has a YouTube channel where she uploads videos of her playing different sports, exploring new places or doing outdoor activities with friends. She started her channel because she wanted to share her love for sports and the outdoors with others who may not be able to get out as much as they would like due to injury, disability or other reasons. Her favorite sport is basketball!